Arkansas State University football player Markel Owens, right, and his stepfather, Johnny Shivers, left, were shot to death in a home invasion robbery in Jackson on Wednesday night.

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JACKSON - At 6-foot-2 and 303 pounds, Markel Owens squared off against other 300-pound men on a football field, defending his team's end zone. Friends say the Arkansas State University defensive lineman loved the game.

His actions Wednesday night left neighbors and police no doubt that Owens also loved his family. Owens died defending his mother, 16-year-old brother and stepfather against robbers who shot at them in their North Jackson home, investigators said.

Owens, 21, died alongside his stepfather, Johnny Shivers, 36. His mother, Chermaine Owens, 37, also was shot. She was treated ...